Mike Tyson has been an enormous affect on the technology of fighters after him, however one MMA fighter took his love for the legendary boxer too far.
Blended martial arts has established itself as one of the vital unpredictable sports activities over the previous few many years. A seemingly unbeatable champion could be knocked out with simply seconds remaining on the clock, a five-second flying knee can finish a rivalry, and a fighter also can have his ear severed by his opponent.
That was the case when Georgi Valentinov met Mitko Iliev at MAXFIGHT 62 on Saturday night time. The occasion acquired off to a robust begin on the Amphitheatre Enviornment in Sveti Vlas, Bulgaria, with a couple of knockouts and carefully fought battles unfolding all through the night time.
Nevertheless, it was the headlining bout that stole the highlight, however not for the appropriate causes. Valentinov entered the struggle as the favourite, with the 30-fight veteran taking up 7-5 journeyman Iliev.
Halfway by the second spherical, a annoyed Georgi Valentinov clamped down on Mitko Iliev’s ear, ripping off a bit of it and spitting it to the canvas.
As soon as the chunk of flesh was noticed by officers, the struggle was waved off, subsequently handing Valentinov the disqualification loss.
Watch the disturbing footage beneath.
Chaos erupted at Maxfight 62 in St. Vlas when Bulgarian fighter Georgi Valentinov sank his enamel into his opponent’s ear throughout a reside MMA bout—biting off a full part and spitting it mid-fight, in a scene eerily harking back to Tyson vs. Holyfield. St. Vlas, Bulgaria – July 19,… pic.twitter.com/jnGvsRMfiA
— Vechtsport Data 🇳🇱 🇲🇦 🇧🇪 🇪🇺 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 (@vechtsport_Info) July 21, 2025
MAXFIGHT president Lyuben Dzhubrilov was in utter disgust on the unlawful transfer, as he introduced in a publish on social media.
“Pricey followers of fight sports activities,” Dzhubrilov mentioned. “I’m writing to you not solely because the president of the biggest skilled fight group in Bulgaria, but in addition as an individual who has been defending the title of this sport and its that means for greater than 20 years — honor, braveness, respect, and managed power throughout the guidelines.”
“On July 19, 2025, through the MAXFIGHT 62 occasion on the Summer season Theatre in Sveti Vlas, we witnessed one thing that not solely has no place in sports activities — it has no place in any civilized type of habits.”
“Georgie Valentinov dedicated a deliberate, brutal, and horrific act by biting off a part of the ear of his opponent, Mitko Iliev.”
“This was not a sporting scenario. This was not a lack of management. This was a deliberate and heinous act that isn’t topic to any justification.”
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Dzhubrilov in the end determined to ban Valentinov from competing for his promotion following the horrifying scenes on Saturday.
“MAX FIGHT takes its accountability clearly and categorically: Georgie Valentinov is banned from taking part in any occasion organized by us.”
“No proper of enchantment. No ‘second likelihood’. No apologies.”
“What occurred on the finish of the night was a shock to everybody — together with me. However let me be very clear: MAX FIGHT is not going to compromise.”
“MAX FIGHT will proceed to construct a stage for true fighters — individuals with self-discipline, honor, and coronary heart. All others haven’t any place right here.”